Brazil Portugal Betting – Samba Kings Battle Portuguese To Exciting Stalemate

Online betting players have had this clash circled since the World Cup draw was announced: Brazil and Portugal will go head-to-head in the “Group of Death” finale, and Portugal will be trying to catch up to the five-time World Cup champions. It should be an open match between two teams who love to play the beautiful game, but with their spots in the knockout round 99% assured, it should turn out to be a safe draw.

• What: World Cup Betting
• When: Friday, June 25th, 10:00 AM ET
• Where: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban
• Key Stats: Brazil has won 12 and drawn two of their 18 meetings with Portugal

The Storyline

First place is on the line in Group G, and the Samba Kings showed that they could be physical as well as stylish in a 3-1 win over the Ivory Coast. The Portuguese finally broke out with a 7-0 rout of North Korea, and they can leapfrog the Brazilians with a win in this crucial finale. Portugal can still be caught on points by the Ivory Coast, but thanks to their +7 goal difference, Portugal is in the driver’s seat. An added bonus to this match: Portugal has three players (Deco, Pepe and Liedson) who were born in Brazil, but decided to play for Portugal when their home country didn’t call them.

Who Has The Edge On Offense: Brazil Portugal Betting

Luis Fabiano had a terrible first match, but came on with a pair of goals against the Ivorians, while Elano netted his second of the tournament. However, the Brazilians will be missing one of their most influential players as Kaka was sent off for two yellow cards in the last five minutes, and the second was undeserved as the Ivorians’ Kadar Keita feigned being hit in the face by Kaka. The Brazilian No.10 played much better in his second World Cup contest, and now he’ll have to sit this one out. Look for Robinho to take his place.

Cristiano Ronaldo was in a vicious mood against North Korea, setting up a couple of goals, but more importantly he scored his first international goal since 2008. It wasn’t a pretty goal, but you could see a weight being lifted off Ronaldo’s shoulders, and the captain should be raring to go for this match. While it was North Korea, Portugal’s movement off the ball and passing was brilliant, and they should have plenty of confidence coming into this match.

Who Has The Edge In Defense: Brazil Portugal Betting

The Brazilians’ method of defense is to keep the ball away from their opponents, and it worked against the Ivory Coast as Brazil held the ball for 60% of the match. They did allow a late goal to the Ivory Coast, but all in all, the Brazilians are a better defensive team than people give them credit for. Captain Lucio has been immense as usual, but the defensive-midfield pairing of Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo has been great as well, allowing the fullbacks to get forward.

Portugal has yet to allow a goal in this tournament, and they stood up well against the Ivorians in their first match, although Didier Drogba didn’t start that match. They were caught out of position on a couple of occasions by the North Koreans, but it was nothing that their team speed couldn’t catch up to. The Portuguese defense had to be solid during qualifying due to their goal-scoring problems, and they, led by Ricardo Carvalho, are one of the best units in the World Cup.

Notable Injuries – Brazil Portugal Betting

Kaka (suspension) will be out, and he is the only major player in either side who will miss this match.

Totals – Brazil Portugal Betting

In theory, this should be an explosive match between two of the most entertaining teams in the tournament. But the defenses may win out this time as both groups are underrated on that side of the ball.

Brazil Portugal Betting Prediction & Outlook

The Brazilians are favored at +130, while the Portuguese come in at +260, and a draw is listed at +180. Brazil has had the upper hand in this head-to-head matchup, claiming 12 wins and a pair of draws in 18 matches against the Portuguese, holding a 36-15 edge in goals scored. Brazil has always looked calm in their first two matches, even in the first match against North Korea when they were being frustrated. The Portuguese didn’t get off to a good start, but their play against North Korea may be the spark they needed to get things going. Still, we can see a draw going down here as they’re both essentially through, and since they won’t know the fate of Spain in Group H until Friday afternoon, there’s not a lot of motivation to finish in a certain spot (for example, as of right now, if Brazil wins the group, they would face Spain in the next round). Go for the draw in your sports betting picks.

Bet World Cup: Draw +180